La Liga Match Preview: Levante vs. Barcelona

What could be a better way to compensate for their back-to-back defeats (in La Liga) than to score a clean sheet? Levante successfully trashed Malaga in their face-off at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, scoring the only goal in the defensive fixture. David Barral’s 19th minute goal opened the scoring, which was later sealed to be the brawl’s climax. The victory gave Les Granotes three points to help them obtain a good standing in the table, as well as served as their ‘comeback’ performance following their frustrating displays at the Estadio Vicente Calderón and Estadio de Mestalla.

Although their recent triumph is a valid reason to celebrate, it is not a guarantee of a secure future. Levante’s inconsistency problem still needs a solid remedy for it to be abated. If not nipped in the bud, it could be their biggest obstacle in obtaining a place [at least] in the top six.

Barcelona

Despite their brawl with Atletico Madrid failing to live up to their billing and finishing goal-empty, Barcelona remain atop the La Liga rankings. The leading sides shared the points after they finished their fixture in a scoreless deadlock. This will be Barca’s second draw this season so far, and their third tourney to not produce a single goal.

Lionel Messi made his first La Liga appearance in the match since being sidelined for a hamstring injury for months, but even his emergence proved useless as the highly disciplined Atletico outfit were readily prepared to counter their every attack. As a result, none of the competing sides gained the absolute glory and failed to ‘break the tie.’

Football betting tip: Without any doubt, this match will render Barcelona with yet another victory. Levante may have a shot at earning some of the spoils, but they are far less able-bodied than their opponents.